April 26, 2016  
 
Here's what is keeping us busy April 25 to 29:  
  • GSU staff members were in a staff meeting in Regina on Monday
  • general secretary Hugh Wagner will attend a Saskatchewan Federation of Labour strategy committee meeting on Wednesday
  • Hugh Wagner will attend a grievance hearing on Wednesday
  • Hugh Wagner will participate in a Saskatchewan Employment Act meeting on Wednesday
GSU's calendar of events is regularly updated and available on GSU's web page - www.gsu.ca  



Day of Mourning
April 28, 2016
This Thursday, take time to remember workers who were killed or injured on the job. In 2015, 32 Saskatchewan workers died from workplace injury and disease.




Working for a living shouldn't cost you your life. Commit to keeping yourself and your co-workers safe.

Saskatchewan Labour Councils have organized commemorative events throughout Saskatchewan. Check them out here.





The pension options you choose will follow you through your retirement. Choose your options wisely.

A retired pensioner recently phoned GSU staff rep Dale Markling wondering why his pension had been reduced. Dale looked into the issue and found the retiree's pension was reduced because of an option the retiree had chosen when he elected his pension.
 
"It's so important for people to know what they are choosing," said GSU staff rep Dale Markling. "There are huge repercussions to decisions such as single life versus joint and last survivor, and integration of your CPP and Old Age Security. Most people don't understand all the details. "

Once you choose your option for your pension it is in effect and there is no going back. When you are considering your pension options, talk to a financial consultant or your GSU staff rep before you sign on the dotted line. They will help you be certain that you fully understand your options.

Do you have retirement or pension questions? Are you interested in learning what the commuted value of your pension benefit is? Call the GSU office. Our services are provided to you as part of your union dues. There is no additional charge for assisting you.
 
  
 

We have a web page dedicated to GSU bargaining. 
Check it out at  www.gsubargaining.ca .

 Bargaining updates and reports are also available on GSU's web page -  www.gsu.ca.

 

Viterra 
 
Plans are being finalized for conducting the membership vote on the tentative collective bargaining settlement between GSU and Viterra. GSU has proposed a workplace ballot and Viterra management has responded positively, subject to the details being worked out.
 
It is anticipated that voting in Local 1 will begin on or about May 4 as GSU reps and officers begin visiting the various locations to hold brief information sessions and give union members an opportunity to vote by secret ballot. The voting process will be designed to accommodate the workflow and shift situations at the locations. GSU staff will be consulting with Local 2's elected officers with regard to the voting process for union members in the Regina head office. 
 
Additional information and the voting schedule will be released once finalized later this week.

GSU bargaining committee members are  Michelle Hofer (Regina),  Kevin Wagner (Regina), Brett North (Moose Jaw),  Jim Brown (Balgonie), Wilfred Harris (Carnduff), Travis Brewer (Saskatoon), Lynn Woods-Nordin (assistant general secretary), and Hugh Wagner (general secretary).
 
 
Hi-Pro Feeds
 
A second bargaining session took place on April 21 and 22.  As a result, the union's bargaining committee will be reporting back to Local 9 members on May 1. 
 
GSU's Local 9 bargaining committee comprises Kelly Saretzky, Kev Clarke, and GSU staff rep Lawrence Maier.
 
  
Agrium/CPS 

GSU and CPS ha ve reached a tentative settlement in agreement renewal bargaining covering union Local 15 . The tentative settlement is subject to approval by GSU members and Company management.
 
Details of the settlement will not be released until the necessary documents are finalized. Planning for a GSU membership vote is underway. The ratification process will be announced once the details are finalized.

GSU's Local 15 bargaining committee members are Carolyn Illerbrun (Shaunavon), Brian Cowan (Ag R&D Saskatoon/Watrous), Brent Pelechaty (Canora), Lynn Woods-Nordin (GSU assistant general secretary), and  Hugh Wagner (GSU general secretary) .
 
  
Prince Albert Cooperative Association 

Local 16 has reached a tentative settlement with Prince Albert Cooperative Association Limited.  
 
A ratification meeting will be held in the coming weeks.

GSU's Local 16 bargaining committee members are Kara Kilden, Jennine Couldwell, and GSU staff rep Dale Markling.
 
 
Discovery Co-op

The most recent Local 17 bargaining session occurred April 19. The two sides remain apart on several issues. 

It is anticipated the next round of bargaining will be scheduled sometime in June.
 
GSU's Local 17 bargaining committee members are  Shelbi Prescesky, Robbie Reed, and GSU staff rep Dale Markling. 
 
  
Lloydminster & District Co-operative Association 

Union and company representatives are tentatively scheduled to meet on Thursday. 
  
GSU's Local 18 bargaining committee members are Christina Jones, Les Strueby, and GSU staff rep Dale Markling


Prairie Co-op  

GSU's bargaining committee last met with the company's representatives on March 24. Dates for additional bargaining sessions are being determined.  

GSU's Local 19 bargaining committee members are Lindsay Hill (Strasbourg), Debbie Hillier (Cupar), and Steve Torgerson (GSU staff rep). 


7 habits that will help release your inner optimist

Studies show that optimistic people live longer than people with a less positive outlook on life. 
Optimists also tend to enjoy better health and even make more money than their pessimistic counterparts.

It's never too late to shake off your pessimism and become an optimist. Check out these seven habits of optimistic people. 
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